High staff turnover within municipal councils has emerged as a critical issue, particularly as highlighted by findings from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence concerning the Savusavu Town Council Annual Reports from 2011 to 2013. Opposition MP Hem Chand has called on the Ministry of Local Government to make this concern a priority, stressing that stable staffing is vital for councils to effectively achieve their goals and improve their reporting practices.
Chand pointed out that high turnover leads to several negative consequences, such as reduced productivity, increased recruitment expenses, and added pressure on remaining staff and human resources departments. While acknowledging that retaining employees presents significant challenges, he underscored its importance for the councils’ long-term sustainability.
In response, Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa attributed the turnover issue to inadequate management in previous administrations. He assured that remedies are being implemented to rectify the situation and improve oversight. The Ministry is actively working to expedite the review of annual reports from municipal councils to ensure their timely submission and address ongoing issues.
Similar concerns regarding governance and accountability have arisen in reports on other municipalities, including Suva and Nausori, highlighting governance challenges and financial mismanagement. Minister Nalumisa has pointed out that discrepancies in reporting templates are complicating the situation, and he plans to address this with a standardized reporting system across municipalities.
These efforts signify a strong commitment to enhancing governance and transparency in local councils, offering hope for a more stable and effective municipal management framework. Stakeholders remain optimistic that improved collaboration and accountability will enable councils to navigate these challenges successfully, ultimately fostering better community engagement and service delivery. By focusing on staff retention and consistency, municipal councils have the opportunity to establish a governance structure that better meets the needs of their local populations.
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